Science with Mandy

Current role: First-year medical student and former postbac researcher

Undergraduate major: Bioengineering

Undergraduate minor: Chemistry

Course: Pre-med

How did you know that you wanted to go to med school? Was it something you have always known or was there a specific thing that you learned about that sparked your interest? I was always interested in the human body and performed well in science courses when I was younger, especially chemistry. Because of that I thought I would do something in the sciences. I didn’t know exactly what yet, but I shadowed at my local ER and I loved the idea of using science in a way that immediately helped people in a very tangible way. I decided to head down the pre-med track then. 

Why did you decide to study bioengineering in undergrad? What was your main motivation for that? I was originally doing biology. I later learned bioengineering was an option. I liked the innovation aspect of bioengineering, and I thought the research going on in the field was really cool, so I switched my major. 

How do you think your specific major prepared you for medicine? I think it gave me a strong foundation in the physical sciences, mathematics, and programming, in addition to life sciences. It gave me a strong foundation for any research that I would want to pursue in the future. 

What is one thing you wish you had done differently to prepare for med school as an undergrad, if anything, and why? I wish I had gotten some more experience directly helping patients as opposed to passively volunteering, possibly as an EMT. 

What made you choose your specific lab to work in as a postbac? It was because I could tell that my PI and everyone was really nice. The work was cool, but it was mostly about the people.

What do you think was the most valuable experience you had as a postbac that has helped you the most on your journey to study medicine? Knowing my PI, because he was an amazing mentor. Seek out mentors early, and make sure they are good ones. 

Which of your experiences as an undergrad or a postbac set you up for the most success as a med school applicant and/or student? That’s hard to say. In my postbac I was fortunate to be involved in cutting-edge research at a world-renowned institution. I also made a tutoring app, which was definitely unique!

Did you ever consider an MD/PhD instead of an MD? If so, how did you finally decide to pursue an MD specifically? I originally wanted to do an MD/PhD, but after working with my PI who was an MD, I learned that the kind of research I want to do can be done with an MD.

Regarding the med school application process, what did you find was the most challenging part of this process and why? For me, the hardest part was probably the process of completing secondary applications. The MCAT was also quite a challenge.

Who has been your biggest role model on your journey to become a doctor? My PI, for sure. I see how he treats his lab and balances his work and his family. He is just a good person.

How much research, if any, do you want to incorporate into your career as a physician? It depends on which specialty I pick. I love the excitement of innovation in research.

What are some of the clinical experiences you had before applying (shadowing or volunteering, etc.)? How do you think these experiences helped you? I shadowed a couple of doctors, including my PI, and I volunteered at two emergency rooms and one transplant surgery center. These experiences broadened my understanding of medicine.

What aspect of med school are you most looking forward to? I am excited to get into the wards in my third year because I get to work with patients and apply knowledge practically. I am also looking forward to working in the anatomy lab. 

Is there anything you expect to find particularly challenging in med school? If so, how do you plan to deal with that? Right now the schoolwork is a challenge. Probably the most challenging thing will be developing an effective routine that maintains a healthy lifestyle.

What is something you wish you had known before applying to and/or enrolling in med school? Apply to a large number of medical schools. It’s worth it because you can be accepted to numerous schools, of which tuition cost can vary substantially, and possibly save a lot of money by having the ability to choose.